I looked for a previous thread on this subject but could not find it. In case you missed it, here is a link to an article with pictures about the damage: https://petapixel.com/2016/09/19/vandalism-iconic-racetrack-death-valley-national-park/
I was in Death Valley this past weekend and went to the Racetrack. For what it is worth, I walked a large portion of the southern part (near the parking area) and didn't see any tire tracks. There were a lot of footprints from someone walking out there when it was wet (apparently also illegal) but I didn't see tire tracks. Maybe there was enough rain this year to start to repair the damage.
Now for the good news from the ranger we spoke with. The idiot who did this has been caught after posting footage on Facebook! He was driving a 2017 Ford Raptor with every available option with a reported price tag of about $95000.
Here is the punishment so far:
1. He forfeited the truck to the Federal Gov't. The park service is going to use it in Death Valley! The rangers are stoked!
2. He was fined $30,000 (not enough in my opinion).
3. He is going to jail for some time (this phase of his trial is not complete yet).
4. He is PERMANENTLY banned from ALL Federal land. He cannot set foot on ANY Federal property without risking arrest. This includes all Nat'l parks, the mall in Washington D.C. etc.
I was in Death Valley this past weekend and went to the Racetrack. For what it is worth, I walked a large portion of the southern part (near the parking area) and didn't see any tire tracks. There were a lot of footprints from someone walking out there when it was wet (apparently also illegal) but I didn't see tire tracks. Maybe there was enough rain this year to start to repair the damage.
Now for the good news from the ranger we spoke with. The idiot who did this has been caught after posting footage on Facebook! He was driving a 2017 Ford Raptor with every available option with a reported price tag of about $95000.
Here is the punishment so far:
1. He forfeited the truck to the Federal Gov't. The park service is going to use it in Death Valley! The rangers are stoked!
2. He was fined $30,000 (not enough in my opinion).
3. He is going to jail for some time (this phase of his trial is not complete yet).
4. He is PERMANENTLY banned from ALL Federal land. He cannot set foot on ANY Federal property without risking arrest. This includes all Nat'l parks, the mall in Washington D.C. etc.
